Filofax Belgravia PDA Case

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

April 26, 2002

Product Requirements:
Device:
Perfectly fits the Palm V series & m500 series, but can also hold the Palm III series, Handspring Visor, Handspring Edge and the Sony Clie

If you used to carry a paper based planner before you started using whatever PDA you now own, then you are most likely already aware of the Filofax name. If not, then let me jog your memory...

Can you remember the James Belushi movie, Taking Care of Business, where he played a prison escapee that found an executive's daybook and basically assumed his life? Well in the front of the obviously pricey daybook was something that I had never seen in any planner before - a green cover page that offered a cash reward to anyone that found the book and returned it. Intrigued by the concept, I had to go check out the Filofax line at my local Neiman Marcus.

What I found was that Filofax binders came in every material imaginable and had the price points to match. $150 poorer, I purchased a gorgeous burgundy leather binder and thus began a love affair with my Filofax that would only end when I purchased my HP 75-LX and no longer needed a paper binder option.

These days, I still look at Filofax binders, but I have not been tempted to purchase one because I have gone almost completely paperless. Imagine my surprise when I learned that Filofax had ventured into the realm of PDA cases. Based on prior experience with this company's products, I knew I had to check these out.

The Filofax Belgravia is a great example of everything that Filofax binders have come to exemplify: excellent craftsmanship, superior materials, and prestigious branding.

In keeping with that concept, the Filofax comes with packaging that makes it suitable for gift-giving.

Inside the black presentation box, you'll find a soft white buffing cloth with a sewn-in leather "filofax" tag. Since I won't be storing the case in this box, I decided to use the cloth to wrap around some of my jewelry that I am not wearing. Hey, I am all about finding alternative uses for packaging. ;0)

The Belgravia is a beautiful solid black, smooth-grained leather case with matching black stitching. The snap features the Filofax name and as with all Filofax binders, there is a small, tastefully embossed "f" on the case's spine.

This Filofax's leather is sumptuous, smells great, and feels like the finest available. Unlike some of the other leathers I have seen Filofax use in their binders, this one appears more dressy and might be easier to scratch.

Although this case is touted as being able to fit several PDAs other than the Palm m500 and V series, I would have to say that that those are the PDAs that this case was definitely made to fit. The following picture shows the elastic sides and bottom of the holster which would help this Filofax accommodate other PDAs; but you can also see that the bottom features a perfect curve made to fit the bottom edge of the previously mentioned Palms.

There is a narrow pen or stylus loop on the right side of the Belgravia, and a larger one suitable for a thicker multi-pen on the left. Four ID or credit card pockets are located on the flip lid, and there is a fifth, deeper pocket suitable for tucking away currency or receipts. Interestingly enough, there is also a very deep pocket that runs along the top edge of the flip-lid. Filofax includes a removable, small sized note-pad that can fit in a number of their binders

Here is a picture of the Filofax Belgravia totally loaded up, including the note-pad. As you can see, it fits my Palm m505 perfectly, and that is the only PDA that I can really recommend this case for. This case makes a great wallet if you are not one that carries a lot of currency...

Here is a picture of the side view, with a Stabo stylus inserted in the holder. This case is simply beautiful, but it does have a downside, one that may seem very serious to some users: it adds quite a bit of bulk to an otherwise svelte PDA. Here are some facts and figures to aid you in your decision making process...   Height Width (widest point) Thickness Naked Palm m505 4.5" (11.4cm) 3.2" (8cm) 0.5" (1.3cm) Palm 505 in Filofax 5.4" (13.6cm) 3.9" (9.9cm) 1.0" (2.6cm)

One other feature that may cause some to take issue with this case is the elastic bottom of the holster. Because it is a sold piece that completely covers the bottom of the PDA, you will have to remove your device before syncing or charging. I decided to cheat, and completely cut this piece out of the holster. I am not recommending that you do this to your case, were you to buy one, but it worked perfectly for me. I found the elastic sides were suitable for keeping my m505 secure, and the snapping tab closure ensured that my PDA would stay put when I wasn't using it.

Just like the Filofax binder that I used to enjoy carrying, the Belgravia is now my PDA case of choice for my Palm m505, because I love the way it looks, feels, and performs. While the Belgravia is a bit pricier than some, it is not any more expensive than a Vaja or Pile Frama case, which are two of the other popular luxury brands available for the Palm V/m500 series.

The Filofax Belgravia PDA Case is available at Stylus Central and other retailers.

Price: $65

Pros:
Fun, bright colors that help take the monotony out of carrying a protective case

Cons:
Must remove PDA from case o sync or charge
Adds bulk to PDA